The North Jersey Partners-supported TTP program graduated eight students in December 2008; half secured jobs while the others are continuing their undergraduate education at Essex County College. Currently 20 students are being trained and a second session will begin in August.

TTP prepares students for careers in a variety of science and technology driven industries such as chemicals, metals, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, plastics, food, and water treatment. Currently this program trains up to 50 individuals per year, but with the support of North Jersey Partners, it will double that number in 2009.

TTP is a private, non-profit organization initiated by 11 pharmaceutical companies in 1968. The 40-year-old program started in a Newark warehouse, but is presently located in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities at Essex County College.

TTP has trained nearly 1,500 qualified laboratory technicians who are currently employed in over 150 companies in the tri-state area. Many of the graduates have gone on to complete higher degrees in science, business, education, pharmacy, and dentistry.

Students participating in TTP have the advantage of enjoying a dual enrollment because when they are accepted in the training program, they are also enrolled full time at Essex County College. Students can earn up to 21 credits toward an Associate's Degree in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Chemical Technology.

The TTP has been successful because it has remained focused. The target population is the unemployed, underemployed and/or displaced worker, especially minorities, women and other disadvantaged individuals.

The requirements of the program include a high school diploma or GED, and the ability to pass a basic skills test. Prior courses in science are desirable, but not required. All individuals accepted into the training program must undergo and pass a complete medical physical examination.

For further information about the program, please go to www.njcentral.com/ttp.

(from left to right) Tylesha Maxey, Franchon Heyward, and Merlin Riley are all smiles at the Dinner.

TTP Staff set up a "Being of Service to Others Day" at a homeless/feeding program at Union Baptist Church in Elizabeth, NJ in response to "a call to service" for MLK day held on January 17, 2009.